NONSENSE: A comedy-thriller that actually makes sense

In the current OTT landscape where violence, gore, and melodrama often steal the spotlight, Bongo's upcoming six-episode web series 'NONSENSE' will be delivering something different — a family-friendly blend of comedy and thriller. 

Directed by Rakesh Basu and based on a story by Tony Michael, 'NONSENSE' goes against the grain, offering audiences a balanced experience where laughter and suspense walk hand in hand.

The series was unveiled at a press show held on Friday, 11 April at the Chitrashala Auditorium of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. The series has already sparked conversations for its refreshing take on storytelling and will be released on Bongo on 14 April. 

In a market saturated with crime thrillers that rely on dark themes, NONSENSE takes a softer route. There's no brutal violence, no shock-value action sequences, and no grim settings that overwhelm the audience. Instead, the tone remains light yet intelligent, never forcing the viewer to overthink. This is what makes NONSENSE stand out — its ability to strike a balance.

The auditorium was packed and was filled with energy as star casts like Intekhab Dinar, Zakia Bari Mamo, Aisha Khan, and Tony Michael Gomes took to the stage, alongside Chief Content Officer of Bongo, Mushfiqur Rahman, and director Rakesh Basu.

The series shows the bizarre yet beautifully constructed story of two strangers who have absolutely nothing in common. They come from different worlds, lead entirely separate lives, and yet find their stories inexplicably connected through an unexpected twist of fate.

It could have easily leaned into the dramatic or absurd, but instead, the creators chose subtlety. The result? A well-paced, character-driven series that captures the complexities of human connection with surprising tenderness and humour.

"It's a thriller, but not the kind that'll make you pull your hair out. It's a nice fusion of comedy, a little bit of thriller, a bit of tragedy — overall, it's the full package," lead actor Tony Michael Gomes said.

Director Rakesh Basu was quick to highlight Tony's acting as a rising potential, stating, "Tony's acting was exceptional. I believe he's going to be a new star in the industry." And it's not difficult to see why — his portrayal is authentic, layered with quiet vulnerability and well-timed humour that held the narrative together.

Whether it's the witty exchanges, the unexpected emotional turns, or the subtle suspense that creeps in without warning, each episode leaves viewers wanting more — not through cliffhangers, but through the story's plot.

In a market saturated with crime thrillers that rely on dark themes, 'NONSENSE' takes a softer route. There's no brutal violence, no shock-value action sequences, and no grim settings that overwhelm the audience. Instead, the tone remains light yet intelligent, never forcing the viewer to overthink but still encouraging a slow unravelling of curiosity.

"The series doesn't have the brutality or darkness like killing or smashing — or the action-oriented funks that most people over 40 tend to avoid. Rather, it's got a very soft tone. It's something you can sit with your family and enjoy, without having to brace yourself," said Zerin Aman, an attendee at the event.

This is perhaps what makes 'NONSENSE' stand out — its ability to strike a balance. It doesn't try too hard to be funny, nor does it stretch itself thin in trying to build suspense. Instead, it plays its cards subtly, building a narrative that's both accessible and enjoyable. 

For those seeking a break from the high-octane drama and looking for a wholesome, character-focused story with a hint of thrill, 'NONSENSE' is a must-watch.

As the final credits roll, one thing is clear — sometimes, a bit of "nonsense" is exactly what makes the most sense.